The Western Jumping Blenny, Lepidoblennius marmoratus, is a small, colorful fish found in the intertidal zones of the eastern Pacific Ocean. This species is known for its unique jumping behavior, which it uses to navigate its rocky and tide pool habitat.
Description & Characteristics
The Western Jumping Blenny is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 11.5 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a slightly rounded head. It is characterized by its vibrant coloration, with a mottled pattern of brown, orange, and white markings. The dorsal fin is long and continuous, and the anal fin is short. The Western Jumping Blenny’s eyes are large and prominent, and its mouth is small and slightly upturned. This fish is sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and having more pronounced coloration than females.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Western Jumping Blenny, Lepidoblennius marmoratus, is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone. It prefers rocky shores and tide pools, often found clinging to rocks or hiding among algae. This species is typically found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 3.0 meters, making it a frequent resident of the shallow, nearshore waters of the eastern Pacific. The Western Jumping Blenny inhabits the neritic zone, the region of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, and the littoral zone, which encompasses the intertidal area between the high and low tide marks. It is often found in areas with strong wave action and high water currents, indicating a tolerance for these challenging conditions.
Taxonomy
The species Lepidoblennius marmoratus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Tripterygiidae. This classification places the Western Jumping Blenny within the group of bony fishes, specifically the order of blennies, which are known for their elongate bodies and prominent dorsal fins. The family Tripterygiidae includes a diverse group of small, bottom-dwelling fishes commonly known as triplefins.
Feeding
The Western Jumping Blenny, Lepidoblennius marmoratus, is an opportunistic omnivore. Its diet consists primarily of algae, but it also consumes a variety of invertebrates, including brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, cyclops, and Daphnia salina. The fish uses its small, upturned mouth to graze on algae and capture small invertebrates. This diet helps contribute to its overall health and survival in its diverse and challenging environment.